Where I Live

5 Design Ideas We’re Totally Stealing From This California Home

Cool if we copy everything? Thx.

By Chanel Dror
classic white kitchen with bohemian touches

Do you have a list of home projects you plan on tackling this year? Even if you don’t have a massive renovation on the horizon, there are plenty of small upgrades you can do to your space to make it feel fresh and new. This charming cottage that we spotted on MyDomaine is a great example of how a mostly white canvas can be transformed with the seasons—it’s full of fabulous design ideas that we’re totally stealing.

Designer Mindy Gayer transformed Anna and Johnny Sherwood’s historic Balboa Island home without stripping it of its classic charm. She retains all the personality and literal bones in the space even while doing a full gut renovation. Not an easy task. It’s just the kind of design inspo we’ve been looking for—Gayer’s work does not disappoint!

It’s amazing how simply swapping out artwork, moving rugs around, and restyling your open shelving can give new life to an old space. Click here to see more of the inspiring home, and keep reading for five design ideas we’re planning on copying from it, no “demo day” necessary.

Woven Kitchen Pendants

classic white kitchen with bohemian touches

Image by Lane Dittoe

When it comes to kitchen lighting, most people tend to go for sculptural, modern chandeliers or pendants featuring hardware metal or glass hardware. These woven light fixtures are just as eye-catching as any modern statement piece but add warmth, softness, and help to keep the kitchen’s style cohesive throughout. It’s an unexpected and lovely design element that adds to the boho, beachy feel of the home.

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urban outfitters woven pendant lamp shade

Urban Outfitters Bamboo Woven Pendant Light Shade

Bring in some boho vibes with a caged bamboo pendant light shade.

Buy it here.

safavieh kaleo white natural woven stool

This fresh, high-quality bar stool is as comfy as it is sturdy.

Buy it here.

west elm merida rattan tray

West Elm Merida Rattan Rectangle Tray

This handwoven tray is the ideal kitchen catchall.

Buy it here.

Stoneware Accents on Open Shelving

all white kitchen with floating shelves

Image by Lane Dittoe

Artfully placed objects keep the open shelving from appearing cluttered. The intentional placement of stoneware accent pieces adds a bit of textural diversity, keeps things interesting, and gives the shelving a refined look. It’s elegant and timeless without feeling stuffy, boring, or out of place.

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pottery barn mason stoneware fruit bowl

Pottery Barn Mason Stoneware Fruit Bowl 

The silky smooth glaze on this gorgeous bowl adds an artisanal touch to the space.

Buy it here.

long spout watering can amazon

Amazon Long Spout Watering Can

Keep your flowers hydrated with this gorgeous watering can—it’s both functional and beautiful!

Buy it here.

botanica x block shop tea towel

Botanica x Block Shop Tea Towel

This sweetly hand-block printed tea towel is made with undyed natural flax linen that gets softer with every use and has a handy corner loop.

Buy it here.

Mudcloth Textile Details

modern bohemian dining room with large natural pendant

Image by Lane Dittoe

Using textiles as the artwork is not only unique and unexpected, but it adds warmth to a space, keeping it cozy and low-key without feeling overly casual. It’s also a wonderfully affordable way to add some character to a room if you’re not looking to splurge on art. The neutral tones and simple pattern don’t pull focus but enhance the overall look and feel of the room.

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Pottery Barn Mali Textile Print

Pottery Barn Mali Textile

Can’t get your hands on an original mudcloth? Try this reproduction from Pottery Barn.

Buy it here.

lulu and georgia sayan pendant light

Lulu and Georgia Sayan Pendant Light

Keep the bohemian feel flowing with this stunningly lovely jute drum pendant light. It doesn’t get much beachier than that!

Buy it here.

cb2 milos basket

CB2 Milos Basket

Keep your plants in this lovely handwoven storage basket made of banana leaves.

Buy it here.

A Blush Pink Area Rug

casual modern living room

Image by Lane Dittoe

Adding a subtle pop of color via an area rug helps to break up the mostly white space, gives it visual dimension, and simply looks lovely. It’s a great way to tie in a bit of color to other accessories in the room, like the throw pillows and blanket. The muted shades in the rug aren’t overpowering but still add just enough color to truly enhance the vibe of the room. It’s fresh, bright, and helps to visually make the room seem larger.

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rugs usa medallion rug

RUGS USA Peach Rosette Medallion Rug

This beauty is so subtle that it adds color to the room without overpowering the overall design palette.

Buy it here.

anthropologie sectional recycled well sofa

Anthropologie Upcycled Wells Reversible Sectional

This versatile, cozy couch is made with sustainable textiles that are free from synthetics, chemicals, and dyes.

Buy it here.

highland cow print from all modern

Highland Cow Art Print

If this adorable highland cow print caught your eye then you’re in luck! How sweet are those bangs?

Buy it here.

A Beachy Mudroom

bright and sunny mudroomImage by Lane Dittoe

No corner of the home was spared a makeover, and that includes the mudroom. The careful addition of practical, beautiful details that mirror the rest of the home’s aesthetic (like the bench, anchor-style brass hooks, and woven baskets for storage) keeps the room simple and chic while still being functional.

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white stripe with melon bench cushion overstock

Overstock Blue and White Striped with Melon Bench Cushion

Take a seat on this striped bench cushion with a contrasting cording pattern for a little extra pizzazz.

Buy it now.

anthropologie fishing hook

Anthropologie Fishing Hook 

Hang up coats and hats with this seaworthy brass hook.

Buy it now.

french market bag

Medina Mercantile Market Tote

The best thing about French market bags is that they’re so gorgeous you can use them for your groceries and also as décor in your home.

Buy it now.